Wednesday, December 10, 2008

OK, I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a huge "creative" leap! This week's challenge was to submit an ornament or holiday decoration. Well, truthfully, I don't have anything on hand....nor the time to create something; BUT, I have been working on a gift basket for my Secret Santa gift at work. (I mentioned this a week or so ago....and promised to share!) So, that's my "challenge" this week!

You see, I had the "good luck" of drawing the youngster in our group....she's adorable, and sweet, single, a great worker.....and 27! Sigh!! (Can I even relate to a 27 year old anymore?!!) So, choosing a gift for her was....well, shall we say "difficult?" As I created things for the past month, I just add duplicates to her basket....since I decided to make a series of small things for her. The main gift is a bottle of perfume from Avon, called, Wishing you LOVE. (See the rectangular box in cream with red dots, bow on top?) She has a new beau that she is just crazy about, so it's appropriate, don't you think? It smells lovely AND it was on sale, leaving me lots of extra $$$s in the $20-$25 budget! I wrapped it in a retired piece of Designer Series Paper (from last year), so that it would match the overall color scheme. The round container is a candle in a can....in a gingerbread scent......altered, of course, to match. An adorable store-bought snowman ornament is in the Kraft box; decorated Peppermint Patties are in the home-made box tied with the Wild Wasabi Ribbon; an altered date book (from Target $ Spot); and a hard-covered journal and matching little pad and pen are from Michael's dollar bin.....just added a bit of ribbon and her initial for personalization.

Here's the basket, all assembled. I picked up this oval tin months ago from the Target dollar spot, although it was slightly more than a dollar. Added the snowflakes, which were simply punched out using the Snowflakes Sizzlets from my Big Shot. To add them to the tin, I simply used glue stick....and, yes, it worked!! Amazing, isn't it? I just love the way they kind of "pop" against the green tin. Guess I should have used Very Vanilla CS instead of the Whisper White, since it would be more in keeping with the whole color scheme....but, what is done, is done, and I like the look anyway!

So, all of the above were added in, along with that cute stuffed snowman decoration (from an outlet store), some chocolate pretzel sticks that I dipped and decorated myself. Then added in some shreddie, of course, and for a little added color....and for her infamous "sweet tooth"....sprinkled in a handful of Cherry Cordial Hershey's Kisses. They are so yummy!! Then everything was tied up with that scrumptious Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Grosgrain (from the Holiday Mini) and that cute oversized tag from this post.

I stretched that money as far as I could! Hope she likes everything.....I know she has a sweet tooth. Of course, she's thin, thin, thin!! Can't wait to give it to her this Wednesday at our office party!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you'll stop in to see what the others have been up to.

NOTE: I am not going to list the stamps and accessories used since there are quite a few items in this basket. BUT almost everything used is from SU (except the gifts, themselves), much is retired. PLEASE feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Are you running in 10 different directions like I am?!! Guess that's why my mojo seems to have disappeared!! I've been sick the past week and in bed all day Friday and trying to slowly catch up ever since.....have that yukky cold that seems to be going around. BUT, I simply do not have time to be sick!

So, for this challenge, I kind of copied a card I saw in the PaperCrafts Nov/Dec issue, Page 25. It's actually a page I had earmarked because I loved the snowflake card, but when MJ issued this week's challenge, I KNEW that was the card to make!!

So, here's my version.......

Instead of the traditional blue snowflake card, I used Real Red and Old Olive (LOVE that combo for Christmas!) and added those fabulous Felt Flurries with Crystal Brads in the center. 'Course, I didn't add the little accessories down at the bottom because this card was way too busy already, although I really am pleased with the finished effect!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

This is an "interesting" color combination......but, I think it works! Must be because of that new theory, "brown is the new black!!" The brown...or in this case, Close to Cocoa.....seems to ground these colors. One more interesting fact: these are colors in the new SU DSP pack in the Holiday Mini, Frosty Day. However, I do not own any of this new paper....since I really need to use up some of what I already have on hand, I didn't purchase it! Some of the cards and projects I've seen with this paper have been spectacular, but, I'm still not comfortable with these as Christmas colors! So, when using these colors for our Challenge this week, I did not make a holiday card, but made a friendship, or thank you card instead. We still need those, right?...even at this time of the year!

This layout has been floating around lately since it was a challenge on SCS recently, and it works perfectly for this card, doesn't it?!! The base of the card is Close to Cocoa and each strip of color was stamped with a set I haven't really used in awhile, Seeing Spots. Once I decided on the layout and stamp set, this card really was fairly quick....only that faux stitching took a bit of time.

So, what do you think of this color combination: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White?

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

This looks like a simple sketch, don't you think? So, naturally, it should be easy-peasy, right? WRONG! I had a bit of trouble with this one....every time I tried to put a card together, it just looked lopsided, or out of balance.....which explains why I'm so very late!!

BUT, I finally came up with a simple card that I'm happy enough with to share. By eliminating the scallop in the lower right corner and simply stamping the greeting directly on the card, it just feels right.

So, thanks for you patience....hope you will enjoy this simple sample! Wish you could see how glittery and sparkly it is in real life! The wind on the dove image was highlighted with Dazzling Diamonds Glitter as are all the tiny snowflakes.

NOTE: Sorry....my copyright seems to be missing! All items used to create this card are from SU, with the exception of the Glue Pen,which was used to add in the fine detail for the glitter.

NOTE: Although I did not intentionally copy or CASE this sample, it turns out that the amazing Mary Brown made a card somewhat similar to this. Although I think Mary's rendition is so much more lovely, I think it could be considered an inspiration for this sample. So, I need to give credit, where credit is due! Please visit Mary's fabulous blog and see her many awesome creations!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Whew! It was a challenge this week just getting time to create this challenge!! LOL! How was YOUR holiday?

As I mentioned in a previous post, most of this past week was spent preparing for Thanksgiving....we ended up with a mere 23 people!! (They didn't all come!) As you can imagine, preparing dinner for such a large crowd takes time, which means little or no stamping time for me! BUT, last night after my family left....the 2nd load of dishes were loaded in the dishwasher, and everything was put away, I actually needed a bit of time to unwind...in my stamp room! So, this card was done last night, but I needed to wait till I could gain access to my scanner, which is in the room now serving as a guest room.

When I first saw this inspiration photo (isn't this lovely...wouldn't you just LOVE to have a bed ensemble like this?) I just knew that I would use Guide Lines by Paper Trey. Only problem was, I created the background for this card and then seemed to loose steam. Maybe I was tired (it was very late....and I worked so hard this past week), I just couldn't seem to come up with a truly inspired layout. So, this week's edition is kind of simple, but then you know that I tend to favor simple cards and layouts. AND the background created with the stamps is so pretty, I hated to clutter it up.

So, I dressed up this simple layout just a bit....with curved corners, a few copper mini brads, and a scored band that mimics the neck pillow in the photo. This card would be easy to reproduce since it's not very intricate and shows off that stamped background, don't you think?

Hope you aren't exhausting yourselves by shopping too much this weekend! Why not take a bit of time to treat yourself to a few minutes visiting the others who participate in this challenge each week!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Better late than never....right?!! Finally, I've finished my Challenge for this past week. Since it's a Thanksgiving theme, it's definitely time to post, or it will be too late!! And I so want to wish you all a wonderful Turkey Day. Hope you are surrounded by family and friends.....those who are all special to you.

As for me, I'm hosting my family. So, I've been cooking and cleaning for a few days. This is the one day a year that all my siblings try to get together. You see, I'm one of 5.....I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. We are all married and have children, ranging in ages from 28 to 7.....13 all together! Now, there are boyfriends, girlfriends, one has a child, and my son has a finace. So, all totalled, there will be 22 of us tomorrow.....I think. That number keeps changing! I LOVE having my family together.....yes, it can be chaotic, but it's fun and wonderful to see them all....and sometimes the antics can be very entertaining!

So, my card.....well, not much stamping this time around. I've been seeing this cute little turkey created with one of my very favorite punches, the Round Scallop Punch. Add in a few others, and you've got what it takes to create this little guy! Everything here is SU except the scalloped background, which was created with my Nestie put through the Big Shot.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

It's been awhile....I'm really still here....and I have not forgotten you! The last 2 weekends I was away, and now it's time to catch up! So, because I'm very far behind on MaryJo's sketch challenges, I've got 4 to share (I told you I was behind!!)....so this is going to be a long post!!

This first one was an easy, simple layout (Challenge #45)...but, I love the way this card came out....although not all the detail shows on screen, which is a shame, because is it so sparkly and pretty IRL!! The background is simply Whisper White CS rolled through the Big Shot using the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Snowflakes. That cute little snowman was colored in using Copic markers and my regular SU Markers and then the Sakura Glitter Pen outlines the image and all those lines. It looks spectacular (if I may say so), but not as much so on screen! Add the Felt Flurry snowflake with a 1/2 Pearl in white from the Pretties kit and it's a winner, don't you think?

Last week's Sketch Challenge (#44) was a large tag. This was fun.....AND will be used soon on a gift basket I'm putting together for a co-worker....we're having a Secret Santa gift exchange. (I'll share a photo of the completed basket...and all the contents in a couple of weeks, before I give it away....it's just not complete yet.) This Santa image is from the same stamp set as the snowman card above, Jolliest Time of the Year. Isn't he just the cutest Santa?!! Again, I don't think you can see all the detail....his beard, and all the fur trim have been "colored" in with Dazzling Diamonds. The rest of his suit and face were colored in with Copic Markers....just LOVE them!....a bit of silver on his buckle and the Basic Black Marker ('cause I don't have a Black Copic) for his mits, boots, and belt, complete the picture. The Coluzzel was used again to create the oval and layered on a larger sized scallop created with my Scallop Nestability set. The Nestabilities and the textured background (Argyle Embossing Folder) were rolled through my Big Shot. (Can you tell that I'm loving that machine?!!) The completed tag is just about the size of a card.

Stamps: Jolliest Time of the Year

Inks: Adirondack by Ranger in Pitch Black; White Craft (used in the background)

Note: Images and cardstocks are by Stampin'Up! as are embellishments, unless otherwise noted.

Challenge #43 is another that I missed. Great layout....a perfect way to use up some scraps, which is exactly what I did to create this card. This time, the focal point is Big on Christmas...such a fun set! The image was stamped in Night of Navy ink and carefully colored in using Baja Breeze for the snowman hat and the letters and markers for the other features. The Baja was all colored over with glitter to add some pizzaz....the matching CS was again run through the Big Shot with another emobssing folder and raised images were carefully inked using the White Craft pad directly on the CS. Oh, and the ribbon on the side was "dyed" using the Baja Breeze ink pad and a Sponge Dauber.

And last, but not least, is Sketch #41 (I managed to complete and post #42, you can re-visit here)...another missed Challenge. This one is NOT Christmas-themed, as you can see! This features Cosmo Bella (obviously, NOT SU!).....I've had her for a long time and she was just dying to be inked up!! She was colored in using my Copic Markers again. And check out her blouse....that's just the tiniest piece of background paper, stamped and applied over that very spot! The saying is also another non-SU stamp, but the martini glass behind the saying is. Isn't this a fun card?

As always, thank you for stopping by and visiting.....and thanks for sticking around and reading this to the end! Why not take a few minutes and visit MaryJo's Blog....she has the most amazing creations there! And you can see who else is participating in her challenges....hope you'll take a couple of minutes to visit them as well!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

This one was easy!....but, I have to admit that I cheated just a little bit!! You see, this is a color combination that I happen to love and used just a week or so ago for another challenge. So, now I'm sharing with all of YOU!!

You KNOW how I love using my Big Shot, right?!! Well, recently I participated in a challenge where I needed to make 1 card using this fabulous new toy....uh, I mean tool!! LOL What did I use? You guessed it! The very same combo that is our Bloggers' Challenge this week: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White (or Very Vanilla). (I sent this to my "partner.")

This idea is NOT my own, but was CASED from the amazing Patty Bennett....you see, it's all HER fault that I found the need to purchase the Pennant die! Pennants and banners are all the rage, but I'm not really sure that I will ever make one....BUT, when Patty demonstrated other uses for this versatile die on her blog....well, I had to have it!!!

This card was fun (I know I always say that!....but it really was!!!) and easy. The medallian is from Wanted, inked in Baja Breeze and then colored over in some areas with the Chocolate Chip marker and then stamped. The brown scallop piece behind is also from the same die. Check out the Top Note die....this was layered onto a larger piece of Chocolate Chip CS and then inserted into the pocket created with the pennants.

That's it for now....I'm off again tomorrow for the weekend. Last weekend that I'll be out of town for awhile.....then maybe I'll be able to catch up!! Don't forget to visit the other Bloggers. Enjoy!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Ok.....I realize that I've done this wrong....should be the same stamp used differently. (Guess that makes more sense!! DUH!!) I'm on my way to Pennsylvania shortly, but will re-do the challenge when I return. In the meantime, enjoy these entries anyway!

This week's Challenge....to use the same layout with 2 different stamps OR use the same stamp set in 2 different ways. We had a similar challenge months ago and this was fun...at that time, I used the same layout. This time, I've chosen the same stamp set....using a long-time favorite, Lovely as a Tree. You've seen me use this set a lot in the past.......can you stand it again?!!

This first card is one made with my stamp club when I taught them embossing. Easy!....and pretty basic. Don't you just love the crisp look of the trees embossed in black against the white cardstock? Pair that up with the Mellow Moss background....with a little faux stitching, and a double stamped background, of course! The ladies loved this card.

Next is one designed for a Holiday Stamp-a-Stack. This is a favorite of mine....and will be my Christmas card this year....so you are getting a sneak peak!! This design is called a Tent card. The base is 8 1/2" x 4 1/4" folded in half. Add the circle up at the top and the completed card fits into a regular card-size envelope. The scallop circle was created with my new love, the Big Shot and the Scallop Punch #2, the inside was done with the Coluzzel. This card is so sparkly and pretty IRL, the scan just does not do it justice! Please keep in mind that the white area at the top of the card is actually "free space," of my scanner bed.

As you can see, another stamp was used, but it's still the same set. The tree was inked in Always Artichoke, and then carefully, a bit of Close to Cocoa Marker was added for the tree trunk and stamped 3 times without re-inking. Add a bit of glue from the 2-Way Glue pen, sprinkle on the Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and it turns elegant! The "bow" was the easiest thing....just punch with the Double Rectangle Punch and slip the ribbon through. The Christmas greeting covers the gap. Oh, and check out the third photo on the left to see the inside. And one of the best things about this card is that it requires NO extra postage!! Gotta LOVE that!!

Thanks for stopping by today.....hope you can take a little time to stop and visit the other Bloggers!

Monday, November 3, 2008

This is a slight twist on the original sketch and turned around.....but it's such a simple and easy layout. So, it is dressed up!....the Snowflakes Embossing Folder was used for the Baja Breeze layer and passed through the Big Shot. Then my Very Vanilla ink pad was used directly on the embossed paper to highlight the raised snowflakes and age the edges. Add an embossed greeting, Hodgepode Hardware in Styled Vanilla, and a snowflake from the Felt Flurries collection and simple has become a WOW! I'm just loving the vintage look of these colors together!....definitely need to play with this combination more.

This was a fun challenge, thanks, MaryJo! And thanks to you for stopping by!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Candy is ready...house is decorated...costumes made....are you ready? Those little neighborhood goblins will be here soon!!

Fun holiday....fun idea....but, I have no Halloween stamps!! Boohoo!! Well, I do have the "Happy Halloween" greeting stamp, but that is it!! A little creativity was in order to meet today's challenge. I've been seeing all these cute little spiders all over the net, so it was time to try my hand at making one. Pulled out some remaining DSP from last year's catalog and the fun began!

Not scary.....that's the one thing I really don't like about Halloween! I like cute and sweet....not ghoulish and bloody!! So, this card is sweet....even if it is a spider! Again, very little stamping, but oh, so fun to make!!

So, thanks for stopping by.....enjoy your Halloween....and be safe! Oh!...and don't forget to visit the other bloggers...just click on the Bloggers' Challenge icon in the right column. You won't be sorry!

Way late, but here it is!! Part of the delay was deciding what to make....you see, I couldn't come up with anything in the very near future that required a gift. Of course, there is Christmas, but it just seems a bit too early! (I know, I know....I should start!!) After all Halloween is today....then it will be time to think ahead to the coming holidays!!

Awhile back, I was inspired by a sister blogger, Robin Merriman's "Party in a Box." Such a cute idea and perfect for co-workers. So, that's just what I did....made a couple for co-workers on their birthdays. What was I thinking?!! The gals have loved them...they now look forward to the next birthday just to see what creation appears......I need to make a little gift set for EVERYONE I work with!! This is box #3...so far, each one has been different, although the contents are exactly the same:

1 individually wrapped Hostess cupcake

1 birthday candle

matches

1 balloon

In other words, everything you need for a birthday celebration. These are fun, little gifts....just a little something to let a co-worker or friend know that you are thinking of them on their special day!

This is a simplified box of some beautiful creations I've seen online....made with the Scallop Envelope die and the Big Shot. Sheryl's is the first one I saw, I think....her tutorial is here. Isn't this a fabulous idea?!! You need to roll out four of them and tape them together. It was fun...AND it was easy!! So, a few rolls of the Big Shot, a few punches, and very little stamping and it was done!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

....at least it was for me!! I learned this at the shoebox swap that I participated in at Convention this past summer, and then demoed it at my upline's meeting about 1.5 months ago. This card was such fun to make....and has re-surfaced on my desktop, so I thought it was time to share!!

You know how all of us stampers have chalk pastels? Well....when was the last time you actually used them?!! I know that I hadn't used mine in a long time. But this will have you dusting off those chalks and taking them out once again!!!

For this technique, you need White Craft Ink (Vanilla probably will work as well) and stamp an image onto a dark CS (such as Navy, Chocolate Chip, or, as in this case...Basic Black). Use a sponge dauber and chalk it up in your color of choice, and then, gently dab onto the ink while it is still wet. Dabbing is key, so you don't smear! For this image, I used More Mustard around the outside, or larger part of the flower, and then Really Rust in the center. Let the chalks set for a bit....maybe about a minute and then gently wipe off with a Swiffer. You can't see it on screen, but the image on this card is actually just a bit shimmery....don't know why that happens, but it is SOOOO pretty!! For a great tutorial on this technique, check this out. If you decide to try this technique, I hope you'll let me know...and share!!

Life has been hectic. Had off from work last week....and now I need a vacation from my vacation!! I had hoped to have some stamping time, but that surely did not happen! Lots of household projects, including cleaning windows, Fall cleaning, cleaning closets and drawers....painting my bathroom....and then my daughter decided she would paint her room....you KNOW what that means, don't you?!! Yup! That became my project as well! Not to mention a couple of doctors' visits....sigh!

So, yes, I'm very, very behind on my Challenges....and my posts. BUT, I wanted to quickly share this little cutie. I had what I thought would be a small dinner party in honor of my sister's birthday this past Sunday....and it turned into dinner for 18! Loads of fun, of course, but lots of work as well. Still, it was fabulous to see everyone....it was just my family!! This is the card I made for her that went with her gift.

This actually started out as an attempt for MaryJo's Techno Lunchtime Challenge #40....which was from LAST week! Well, it didn't work out and I completely rearranged it to this. (I have to admit that that sketch has me stumped....but, I have an idea. If it works out, I'll be sure to share!!)

In real life (IRL), the background paper works much better with the printed paper. For some reason, the red just pops out at me, but IRL the pink does instead! The printed paper is non-SU...I just loved all the cupcakes!! The cupcake itself is from my new set, Crazy for Cupcakes....it was on sale this past month! Colored in with my Copic markers...I just LOVE these....and, sorry!....they are non-SU as well. A bit of glitter for the sprinkles, layered onto the oval and scalloped oval made with my Nestabilities in the Big Shot....then add a bit of ribbon in that new, easy-to-make bow in Celery Grosgrain. Not really difficult at all.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Today was such a pretty day.....crisp, sunny, beautiful blue skies....everything a Fall day should be! So....that means, little stamping time today! But despite the lack of time, I was finally able to accomplish last week's challenge. Whew! Only a week late....and tomorrow it's time for a brand new one...which I haven't even begun!!

This sketch to the right was the inspiration....as you can see, it's a square card. Now, if you've been following my blog entries, you know I'm not into square cards.....I changed the layout to a regular size card. Basically, a simple layout, but for some reason I had a tough time with this. There was a lot of trial and error, but I finally came up with something that I'm really very happy with!

You see, I just received my very own Felt Flurries (Pg. 16) from the Holiday Mini Catalog. Oooohhhh! These are luscious! They were still on my desk top and I just knew that I had to play with them for this challenge! Now I know that the colors on this card are not traditional, but I love that! Sometimes, different can be so fun!

For the background, I combined 2 jumbo wheels: Bold Snowflakes (rolled across the White Craft ink pad) and then Snow was added right over top (rolled across the Baja Breeze ink pad). I LOVE layering backgrounds, and am thrilled with the way this looks! However, that meant that I needed another color other than Whisper White. Basic Black was so stark, so some sheer narrow Organdy Ribbon (retired) was used to keep it light....and the black circle behind the greeting was covered with Dazzling Diamonds. Isn't it festive?!!

A co-worker recently gave me a bagful of paper and scrapbooking supplies. Seems she cleaned out a closet and had no use for any of it....so, I am the happy recipeint of all those goodies! Today, I finally went through the bag and put everything away....but I put aside a few things for this card!

The Challenge for my Sistas this week is a sketch challenge...they are always fun! This first photo is a copy of the sketch we were to use. (....and YES, it is the right sketch this time....I promise!!) I stayed pretty true to the sample.

In that wonderful goodie bag, I discovered some really pretty background paper, so that was the inspiration for my card....I just went from there! A couple of things.....The flower focal image was inked with So Saffron and highlighted with a Summer Sun Marker....and the pretty brad in the center was another goodie from the bag!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Well, I had a little bit of time this afternoon to stamp, so I thought I'd try to catch up on the Lunchtime Monday Challenge that I missed this past week. So, I pulled out some of my stamps and papers, inks and some accessories and got to "work." I felt like a mad scientist....my stamp area was a mess when I was done! BUT, I had this card to show for all that hard work and mess! Soooo, I scanned it in and was ready to post only to find out I did the wrong sketch!! Not only did I do the wrong sketch....it's one I had done a few weeks ago! (Guess that's why that sketch photo was still on my desktop!) DUH!!! So, I hope you don't mind that I share anyway...I'll try to find time tomorrow to actually do the right sketch AND the one due for this Monday!!

Although I'm not really a purple gal...I know plenty of people who are. But, I really like the way Almost Amethyst and Lovely Lilac look together....paired with a touch of Basic Black and, of course, some Whisper White, it's really a winning combo!! This card features the last little bit of Almost Amethyst DSP from the previous catalog....now, other than a few very small pieces, it's mostly all gone! The butterfly has dots of glitter inside each of those little flowers on the wings....was punched out using that fabulous 1 3/4" Round Punch and then Nestabilities were used in the Big Shot to achieve those background layers surrounding the image.

....you know what?!! This may just be the perfect birthday card for my niece who will be celebrating her special day very soon! So, even if I messed up and used the wrong sketch, it's still a cute card and now I have a very important use for it!!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Well, I seem to have fallen very far behind!....now it's time to play "catch up" with the Challanges! Last Sunday was a Fall/Autumn theme for SBS24.....and the Bloggers' Challenge this week was for a color combo that has a very Fall-like feel (Riding Hood Red, Really Rust, Old Olive), so I've combined them.....AND I needed a card to send a co-worker who has surgery recently. So, this card is actually doing TRIPLE duty! Am I efficient, or what?!! LOL

I pulled out my retired, but favorite, leaf set, Autumn Leaf Prints....if you remember this posting from a few weeks back, you'll recall that I just couldn't part with it! It always makes the prettiest cards...and before Fall is behind us, I wanted to use it at least one more time! Similar to that last posting, the leaf images were used in random fashion, but this time, they were stamped in Close to Cocoa Craft Ink and embossed. Then each leaf was burnished...or sponged...using the various required ink colors. I have always enjoyed that technique....it's so easy and fast!...with a real WOW factor. And you know what?.....I've fallen in love with Riding Hood Red, one of this year's In Colors! You are sure to see more creations in the near future with this lovely, versatile color.

So, thanks for stopping by and making your visit a part of your day. Hope you'll stop by again soon...remember, I have a few things I'll be sharing soon...and don't forget to visit some of the other participants in the Bloggers' Challenge AND those in the Sisterhood.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

I received this cutie last month in a swap at my upline's meeting....created by Meg Penny, a sideline. Isn't it just the cutest?....I just had to share this with all of you!...and Meg gave me permission to do so! The only stamping on this card is the "for you," which is from the Fresh Cuts set...the rest is all created with punches. Punches are such fun to use and when used creatively like this, they are even better!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

When I spotted this set in the new catalog I knew I had to have it. But with so many pretty things, it kind of sunk down the priority list....that is until I saw the spiral card demonstrated! What fun! Even still, I waited and finally earned it on my last order. I'm sure it will be used often...just love that martini glass, and the champagne glasses are perfect for anniversaries, engagements, and weddings! Check it out here!...and be sure to contact me to order YOUR set! (Or order directly through me online.....see the top right corner of this blog and click!)

Well, I needed a "man" card....or more specifically, a "man" birthday card. The beer mug is PERFECT for this! Isn't it fun?!! Just WAIT till you see the inside!!!!! For the front, I used my Dots and Spots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder in my Big Shot and "colored" in the foam on the mug with a white Applique Pen that I've had since SU used to sell them!

Then the inside is an idea demonstrated at Convention this past summer. Check this out! Even my twin daughers were impressed.....and that is just so rare!! The saying on the inside is from the retired It's Your Birthday set.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Another great idea....another fun card! (Thank you, Lisa!!) This week we were to use this photo as our inspiration for our Challenge card/project.

As soon as I saw this bedroom ensemble, I knew that I had to pull out my Paper Trey set, Guide Lines. This set is just so fabulous....I simply do not use it enough!! Anyway, that is the set that created the background on the Top Note die cut piece....stamped in White Craft ink onto Basic Black CS. Add a few flowers from Eastern Blooms (another favorite!), a greeting, and some ribbon, and there you have it!!

A few things to note:

The greeting was punched out with the Large Oval Punch. Then the background of the greeting was created by punching twice more with the same punch, but this time in Real Red CS.

The flowers were stamped in Real Red Classic ink (and, yes, they DO match exactly IRL!) and cut out. To create the centers, the flower was again stamped, but this time in Basic Black, punched, and layered.

Monday, October 6, 2008

I LOVE this sketch! So versatile...so easy to work with! It's great right side up, to the left, to the right....or use it upside down...like I did! It's one I've used many times before and will continue to use often. So, what's the sketch look like, you say? It's here!

And this is my version to the left. I still had my Lovely as a Tree set out on my desk top....so, it was the one I used! See? Isn't this set just the BEST?!! Easy to understand why it has been SU's number 1 selling set for years, isn't it?!!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

The challenge this week was an easy one!! A couple of my very favorite customers (but I love them all!!) invited me to host a stamp night for the ladies in their church Woman's Club this past Friday night. What fun we had! They requested a Christmas theme...but since it was the first Friday of October, it just seemed too early to make just a couple of holiday cards! So (from left to right), we made a gift card holder...it's the most popular gift of the season!; a decorated gift bag made from a lunch bag; a star ornament, using the fabulous Big Shot!; and a votive candle cover. All easy...all fun! The ladies had a grand time socializing AND creating!

There were a lot of supplies used in these projects....too many to list. But, if you would like more info, please feel free to contact me! Oh, and that gift card holder was inspired by the amazing Kristina Werner! Check out her blog...there's so much to see!!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Falling for You is the theme this week......and that could mean a number of different things. After all, just think about that phrase: love, leaves AND snow all fall! So, what was my take on this theme? Well, I kind of combined 2 of them! Love....my anniversary is coming up in about a week and a half......and if you've read any of my recent posts, you know that I love Fall! So, I made a Fall-themed anniversary card for my hubby!! Perfect for this week, don't you think?!!

This card is definitely a CASE of one posted by our very own Bloggers' Challenge member, Marcia Pringle! I've had this idea downloaded on my computer for a very long time and thought it would work perfectly for the combined theme. (THANK YOU, Marcia!!) Of course, I made some changes, but the overall idea and layout is all Marcia's!!

You see, I needed a masculine type card...no hearts or frills for hubby. (He'd hate it!) So, I pulled out my very time-worn set, Lovely as a Tree. The leaf branches were first stamped in More Mustard ink and then to achieve the multi-colored look, I used markers and the Thumping technique. 'Course, Marcia's background used French Script, which I sold long ago (and have regretted it many times since), but I used an old favorite, Linen and then Tres Chic. The greeting was changed and employs 3 punches....which is very different from the original. So, you see, it is similar....definitely inspired....but still different!

Thanks for stopping by! Can't wait to see what the others have been up to....hope to see you there.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Click on the link below and take part in the SU survey. This is YOUR chance.......apply to SU to become a panelist to provide valuable feedback. In return, each panelist will receive a box of free SU goodies!

As part of the Sisterhood, my sistas all decided that maybe we could participate in a weekly challenge each Sunday. Obviously, I'm still behind...but I didn't want to not participate! After all, it's the first week.....and it gives me a reason to stamp!

This week's theme: A Few Of My Favorite Things! In other words....use a favorite color, technique, set, etc. Yesterday, I thought and thought, but really couldn't decide what my favorite thing might be! You see, I seem to go through phases....sometimes, I'm stuck on a color combo....sometimes on a layout....at other times, it might be a favorite stamp set that I can't seem to put down. Then, suddenly, just a few minutes ago, it hit me! My new, very favorite thing of the week seems to be the Big Note Die for my Big Shot! I've just completed 3 swaps, all using the Big Note as a major component! So, here it is!! It's actually one I completed for a Ronald McDonald themed swap! (So, I guess I didn't actually STAMP this one today!!)

This is a fairly simple layout, but has a few things going on. The white layer behind the "hi" stamp is totally glittered; there's lots of corner rounded edges; the ribbon slides through a slit created with the Horizontal Slot Punch; the featured stamp is on Dimensionals; and there is glitter in the center of each of the lollipop flowers. Simple...but not so simple!

Monday, September 29, 2008

I'm a bit behind because we went away for the weekend to upstate New York to visit family. We had a fun weekend, even if it rained for most of the time! The Blog Challenge for Friday was done beforehand and scheduled to post on Friday...but I didn't have time to get this one done before I left.

Mary Jo posted a great challenge this week and it is FUN! However, her sketch is actually for a square card.....I really don't do squares. They require special envelopes......more postage to send.....and they don't fit in my display box that I take everywhere! So, I adapted the design to a regular 5.5"x 4.25" card.

I didn't originally set out to create a Christmas card....it just kind of evolved into this....but don't you just love the way it came out?!! I was originally planning to use Pocket Silhouettes until I spotted the large snowflake die and just knew that it was time to use it!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Ok, so we've all heard of the artist Andy Warhol.....but I was never a fan of his work, were you? So, the theme this week was to make a "Warhol Card!" What to do....what to do?!!

After doing a bit of research, I saw that this technique entails an image stamped repeatedly in the same color ink, each time on a different color background. This is what I came up with....BUT after creating it, only then did I learn that the ink should be black. Well, mine, obviously, is not.....so, I'm using a little "creative license" with this week's card edition.....'cause I like it and I'm going to share anyway!!

Monday, September 22, 2008

When I saw this sketch earlier today, I thought it would be "a piece of cake!" I was soooo wrong!!

This is the finished edition of the challenge this week, but a few earlier cards ended up in the trash. It's a great sketch, but each time I completed it, it just looked unfinished....like something else was needed.

So.....am I crazy about this card? No, not really, but I'm not really unhappy with it either. I pulled out some retired DSP...I think it was called Outlaw; and my Wanted stamp set, which has sat sadly neglected on the shelf for some time!

Oh, and see the little frame with the "thanks?" That's a piece of Hodgepodge Hardware in the recently retired Antique Copper....I used an old pair of scissors and cut off the little tabs, or the part that is designed for the mini brads. Then I used the Multipurpose Adhesive by Tombow (SU Idea Book, Pg. 191)...it's the BEST stuff!....to adhere the paper inside the frame and then the frame onto the card. That made it easy!

Check out MaryJo's sketch and the links to others who participated in her weekly sketch challenge. Despite the fact that I found it difficult, it was really a lot of fun!

Friday, September 19, 2008

For this week's challenge....and in honor of the Fall season, which seams to finally be upon us, I pulled out an old favorite, Autumn Leaf Prints. This is probably my all-time favorite leaf set by SU, but sadly, it retired a few years ago. (The newer leaf set -- With Gratitude, presently available is lovely, and somewhat similar in style....I just like this one better!)

So....watercoloring. This set is just so fabulous with watercolors...another reason to use it! Watercolor paper is key....simply stamping the leaves randomly onto watercolor paper in Timber Brown StazOn, then scribbled in with various earth-toned markers inside the leaves, and used Creamy Carmel around them. The Aqua Brush does the rest! The most difficult part of this card is waiting for the paper to dry!!

Stamps: Autum Leaf Prints, Canvas, Sanded, Best Yet (Hostess Level 1)

Inks: Timber Brown StazOn, Chocolate Chip

CS: Watercolor Paper, Old Olive, More Mustard, Creamy Carmel

Markers: Ruby Red, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Creamy Carmel

Monday, September 15, 2008

I made this earlier in the day, but didn't have the chance to upload it till now. When I saw MaryJo's sketch this week, I just KNEW that I had to play with my new Big Shot die. This is the scallop die #2 that is listed in the back of the new Holiday Mini Catalog. You should be receiving the Minis by mail soon.....wait until you see all the terrific offerings! You can begin ordering October 1st.

Anyway, I used the larger of the 2 circles in my Big Shot and really liked the way it turned out earlier in the day....right now, I'm no longer sure. The circle is kinda large...maybe too large for the card? Maybe I'll have to make up another for the sketch at some point this week.....but, it's a busy one for sure! In the meantime, hopefully, you will enjoy this one. Check out the 2-toned flowers on the focal point....the image was first stamped in Almost Amethyst and then lightly brushed along the tips of the flower petals with a Lovely Lilac marker.

Friday, September 12, 2008

I LOVE Designer Series Paper....or DSP for short.....AND I often use it. It's a great way to add patterns and interest without adding a lot of bulk or weight.

As you may have already guessed, the challenge this week was to come up with a project using DSP. Of course, I wanted to come up with something new. Well, I though and though, and searched and searched for some type of inspiration for a project that would be new and different. New was easier....but different? Hmmm! Nope...came up with just a plain old card!! BUT, I used the fabulous new DSP that comes in the Hostess Level 1, Patterns Pack. Just adore the colors included in the pad....there's even Kraft!, which is what I used today.

So, a card it is! The DSP featured on this creation is really a reversible pattern, as shown. And I've always been fond of Kraft and Real Red together....the DSP has a white background, which dictated that the card needed some Whisper White. This also showcases the Scallop Edge Punch again....can you stand it?!!....AND some of the Red Gingham Ribbon. Although I typically use SU products almost exclusively, there is a small amount of "contraband" on this card: the mini brad in the center of the flower is a camel color that closely matches the Kraft, and is made by a Heidi Grace; and the organza leaves are by Creative Impressions....both purchases on a recent trip to a scrapbook store I discovered not too long ago.

Hope you will take the time to visit some of the other bloggers who participate in our Weekly Challenge! And if you would like to be inspired by other DSP creations, there are many, many ideas right here on this blog! Just check back to some recent....and not so recent.....posts! Thanks for stopping by today.

This card features the beautiful Inspired by Nature....another set received at Convention, that I really have not used, although I'm not really sure why because it is so pretty! Easy card and fun to make....and just perfect for these last days of summer!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

For the last few years, I have been a member of an online stamping group. The ladies that are in this group are amazing and talented stampers.....I am constantly inspired by them. Not only that, they are among the nicest people I know! Admittedly, I haven't met everyone, but have met a number of them at the last 3 Conventions, and about 1.5 years ago, I met part of the group in Cape Cod at one of the member's vacation homes. We had a blast together!

So, one of the things that happens within the group is that each week a Challenge is offered up....not so very different from the weekly Bloggers' Challenge, except that it is not mandatory (thankfully!), and we actually SEND our card to our "partner." I can't always participate, but did last week. Theme: Silhouettes.....I chose to use my very favorite new set from the new Idea Book & Catalog, Upsy Daisy*! Don't you just LOVE it?!!

*ON SALE....check it out here. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to purchase this set....or any of the others...at a discount! Contact me today to order yours! Oh, and while you are there, be sure to check out the Fall-Winter Sampler Promotion...it begins on October 1!

Friday, September 5, 2008

I'm not completely comfortable with the new In Colors....yet!....so, this was just a bit difficult for me this week. We were to use Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango, and Pacific Point...WOW! These sure are bright together....and bright cards always seem cheerful...and cheerful somehow always screams BIRTHDAY!! So, of course, that's just what I made....a birthday card.

Now, don't get me wrong, I really do like each of the colors that are new for this SU year, but sometimes it takes awhile to warm up to, and get used to the new colors....I was just getting used to some of those that just retired!!

Anyway, here's what I came up with. Thanks for stopping by....see you as we visit the other Bloggers!

About Me

The very best part of being a demonstrator is the friendships that have formed over a little piece of rubber and some ink….choosing to become a Stampin’Up! Demonstrator over 10 years ago has changed my life! Of course, being a demonstrator has many wonderful perks….from discounts, to incentive trips. Why not join, too?!! Just e-mail me today for more information.